I hope I convey my point probably, but why do planes go so many thousands of feet in the air? Is it faster that way, or could they achieve similar flight times at a lower altitude?
Does it have something to do with the curvature of the earth?
In: Engineering
It’s a carefully coreograpphed dance. Thinner air up high means less air resistance. But the engines need air to function. Every airplane has an ideal cruising altitude that’s usually lower than their max capable flying altitude. That’s the planes sweet spot for max fuel efficiency. I’m flying on a gulfstream V as I write this and we’re at 41,000 feet. We could go higher and faster, but this is our sweet spot for fuel efficiency. And that’s what it’s all about, saving fuel
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